2 Timothy 3

Summary

 

Timothy 3 warns of the challenges and godlessness that will characterize the last days. Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith and to rely on the Scriptures for guidance, teaching, and equipping in the face of challenges and opposition. The chapter underscores the enduring and transformative power of God's Word.

 

1. Description of Difficult Times (2 Timothy 3:1-9): Paul describes the characteristics of difficult times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Paul warns that these people may have a form of godliness but deny its power.
2. Timothy's Example and Instruction (2 Timothy 3:10-17): Paul contrasts the wickedness of those in the last days with Timothy's own example of godliness, faith, love, endurance, and persecutions. He reminds Timothy of his teachings, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance. Paul stresses the inspiration and usefulness of Scripture for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping the servant of God for every good work.
3. Final Charge (2 Timothy 3:14-17): Paul urges Timothy to continue in what he has learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom he learned it. He emphasizes the sacred Scriptures that are able to make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete and equipped for every good work.

 

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